(Schenectady, NY) — Buzz Media Solutions has announced the special appointments of two prominent Capital Region business leaders, Gary Hughes and Dr. Clinton Ballinger, to the company’s newly created strategic advisory group. The strategic advisors will be assisting the firm’s partners, Susan Bardack and Jeff Goronkin, in areas of operations and growth. Bardack said, “Since our inception, over six years ago, Buzz Media Solutions has experienced steady growth by providing targeted communications services to clients in the Capital Region. We are excited to have the guidance and support of Gary Hughes and Clinton Ballinger as we add additional employees to our team and expand our base of clients.”

Buzz Media Solutions, founded by Bardack and Goronkin in 2009 moved the full service marketing and communications agency to Schenectady, New York in 2014. The firm works with a variety of clients including: Casa Visco, Brown School, Skidmore College, Mahoney Performance Institute and Galesi Group. The team works with clients to clarify goals and develop strategic marketing and communications plans. They execute those plans utilizing a wide range of tools that include: media relations, digital marketing, community relations, video production and website design.

Goronkin said, “The creation of the Strategic Advisory Group is an important move for Buzz Media Solutions. These senior executives bring a tremendous amount of knowledge and business experience to the table and their insight, support and mentorship will play a critical role as our company continues to grow.”

Dr. Clinton Ballinger is a CEO, founder and entrepreneur with a reputation for launching “world’s first” products across multiple markets, on time and under budget. He is a serial entrepreneur who has started 5 companies in various technology sectors. He possesses a diverse background with demonstrated lean business acumen that includes founding and operating a company, creating, developing and launching new products, extensive capital raising experience, and global team development. Dr. Ballinger will assist Buzz Media with new market opportunities and provide support with new product and service initiatives. Ballinger said, “The team at Buzz Media Solutions is innovative, creative and knows how to execute. I am looking forward to working with the leadership and staff on this new and exciting initiative.”

Gary Hughes is an accomplished public relations executive and community leader. Hughes will be joining the strategic advisory team at Buzz Media to assist in the company’s growth and management of new clients. Hughes said, “I am proud to join the small cadre of senior executives to join Buzz Media as they re-position themselves for growth in 2016. The Schenectady based creative firm has the capacity make a significant impact in the Capital Region and I am excited to be a part of their team.”

Gary Hughes has more than three decades of experience in public relations and corporate communications, including more than 15 years with MVP Health Care. At MVP, Hughes was responsible for the health insurer’s public and media relations across New York state, Vermont and New Hampshire.

Hughes has also directed communications for The College of Saint Rose and provided public relations counsel to numerous clients of the former Albany-based Wolkas Communications Group.

Hughes began his career as a broadcast journalist, first working in the Hudson Valley and later as news director of WROW AM-FM in Albany.

A resident of the City of Schenectady, Hughes also serves on the Schenectady County Legislature, where he is the majority leader. He is also a member of the Board of Trustees of Schenectady County Community College and the Chair of the Schenectady County Industrial Development Agency. He is a graduate of the State University New York College at Oneonta.

About Buzz Media Solutions

Founded in 2009, Buzz Media Solutions is a full service communications firm located in the heart of downtown Schenectady, New York.